Social and fishing problems in the upper Gulf of California

Abstract

The Mexican government has dedicated countless financial and human resources to vaquita conservation. Since the creation of the Upper Gulf of California Biosphere Reserve in 1993, protecting the species from extinction has been a priority. The restricted habitat has placed this species within the protected status and at risk of extinction. After many years of biological and social studies, we can affirm that fishing activities are encouraged by the local market demand for fish and shrimp. These activities are carried out intensively using gill nets for eight months of the year. On the other hand, there are no real economic alternatives for more than 4,000 fishermen. It is necessary to find a solution to the precarious situation of the fishermen and avoid the disappearance of endangered species.